Teeniez swag

By Matilda Nzioki

The saying the early bird catches the worm clearly described the youth who arrived for the CHAT Awards. In the forested Bomas of Kenya grounds birds chirped, the wind blew and rain fell in perfect cascade as teenies dressed to kill arrived in droves.

At about 10am the venue was a beehive of activity. The eager teeniez started arriving early dressed in latest fashion and bling bling. The waited patiently at the red carpet area — outside the main auditorium to witness the celebrity stunts. The awards are known for the stir that celebs cause as they make grand entries. This time round Prezzo checked in a convoy of flashy cars and had security to salute him.

DJ Kalonje arrived in a convoy of souped-up mathrees escorting him to the venue as the teeniez braved the intermittent rain to wait for more star arrivals.

Outside the hall — red carpet reception area — they engaged in various competitions courtesy of Safaricom. Soon the reception area came to life as Ogopa Deejays beauties — Avril and Marya — arrived in motorbikes. The rest of the team, including Mustapha and Kenzo, also showcased the latest fashion as they arrived at the venue. Ogopa crew also entertained the youth as they sang along the popular hits. Calif Records stars Linet, Q-ta-C and Mejja also spiced up the already thrilling show with teenies in a carnival mood.

Saintz dancers soon jumped on the red carpet to showcase their dancing prowess as the crowd cheered them on. Q-ta-C of the Ocha hit track tickled the teeniez in between DJ Kamjo’s mixes and the first part of the day’s agenda ended slightly before 2pm.

The crowd was then ushered into a well-lit auditorium with great dÈcor, set-up and sound. Having been always an outdoor jamboree in the past, the event was first of its kind since its inauguration. MC Shaffie took to the stage and welcomed Tanya (Sarah Hussein) of Tahidi High TV drama to a deafening applause.

Soon the ceremony was underway as Juliani gave an electriying performance. "I have never seen Juliani on stage but today I’ve known he is much more than a performer!" exclaimed comedian Churchill.

Amidst a siren sound Collo was brought to stage on a stretcher, in a bid to illustrate the dangers of drunken driving. His performance with Ulopa for the newly released song to promote road safety was more of a drama show, but they managed to drive the point home.

Mejja stole the show with his act when he performed his collabo Bongo la Biashara, with hawkers and buyers on stage, complete with Kanju (City Council) askaris chasing them at the end of the performance.

Bootylicious Ogopalettes Marya and Avril came to the auditorium on motorbikes and got the boys roaring throughout their performance of their new collabo Chokoza.

The showstopper was Redsan, who teeniez still adore 10 years on — as he romped onto the stage. At the end of his short performance, they were still screaming for more.

Other performers were Sauti Sol, Marlaw, Prezzo, Alshabaab and Black Blingers high school dance groups who showcased their talent.

Winners and losers

The main attraction seemed to be Tahidi High which bagged four awards — the highest in number. The show scooped Teeniez Actress and Actor of the Year which went to Tanya and OJ respectively, as well as Teeniez Soap for the second time and Facebook Fan Page. OJ could barely contain himself, as he broke into tears upon being pronounced winner.

Churchill (Daniel Ndambuki) took home two awards, Teeniez TV Comedy/Reality show and the hotly contested Role Model award. He beat Michael Joseph (Safaricom) Caroline Mutoko and John Allan Namu.

KTN’s VJ Kaytrixx and Tero of Str8 Up won VJ and Presenter Music Show Award. Gospel singers Eko Dyadda and Juliani both managed to double their wins. Male Artiste went to Redsan who beat Juliani, Mejja and Nonini.

STL was the teeniez’ Female Artiste of the Year. Other winners were first timers Sauti Sol and DJ Kalonje. MOG for the second time running for Gospel Group, Mejja, Habida and Nameless, Kiss 100, and AY for the East African Act award.

Verdict

The event was spectacular in its presentation, the MCs and celebs were dressed the part, which added glitz and glamour. Shaffie outdid himself, and at one point delighted the crowd when he asked Government spokesman Alfred Mutua to dance to the hit ragga Skip to My Lou on stage. He pulled a katitu-like move and returned the favour to Shaffie when he later came back on stage.

Bad

The ceremony started two hours late than had been scheduled. It was rushed through and still dragged into dusk. Some teeniez had to leave before time. "This is a lovely show but I wish it ended at around 6pm," pointed out a mother of a ten-year old who had accompanied her daughter to the show. Habida too, who is expectant had problems having to wait until around 8pm, when all the awards had been presented. "I wish it didn’t have to stay too long," she said.